Methods for managing power consumption for a hands-free dispenser

ABSTRACT

Methods for managing power consumption of a battery-powered device such as a fluid dispenser are disclosed. One method includes setting a duty cycle of a sensor used by the device to a first range and setting a timer upon detection of a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a second range. The method continues by checking for another triggering event during the second range. The checking step is repeated if the timer has not lapsed, but if the timer has lapsed the process returns to the setting step. Related methods may be used to adjust the duty cycle based upon a detected characteristic such as light, sound, motion or time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of prior U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/274,479 filed Oct. 17, 2011, which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the present invention is directed to an electrically poweredhands-free fluid dispenser. In particular, the present inventionprovides a dispenser with a user sensor that utilizes an adjustable dutycycle to control power management. Specifically, the present inventionis directed a dispenser and method for using the same which includes auser sensor that has an adjustable duty cycle to provide improvedresponse time during busy periods of use and reduced power consumptionduring extended periods of non-use.

BACKGROUND ART

Hands-free, sometimes referred to as touch-free, dispensers are wellknown in the art. Many of these dispensers are battery powered whichallow them to be conveniently placed most anywhere without connection toelectrical service. Of course, batteries, also referred to as cells, rundown over a period of time and this requires that the batteries bereplaced. If a battery is not timely replaced then the dispenser isrendered inoperative. One way to overcome this problem is to replace thebattery on a predetermined schedule. However, this is consideredwasteful as the full life of the replaced battery is not used.

In the context of hands-free dispensers, it has been determined that auser sensor preferably responds within 200 milliseconds upon detectionof a target and dispenses a fluid such as a soap. This requires that theuser sensor wake and detect a target at least four times per second.However, user sensors that detect slower events, like flush valves,respond in one second or more to a target. This allows for a lower dutycycle and thus lower power consumption. This same lower duty cycle canbe used with a soap dispenser; however, skilled artisans will appreciatethat this results in lost opportunities to provide soap to a user. Inother words, users frequently like to receive a second dispensing ofsoap prior to exposing their hands to water and washing their hands.Additionally, it has been found that a user prefers to receive a seconddose of soap more quickly than the first.

Current devices that provide for fluid soap dispensing utilize the sameduty cycle whether the dispensing device is busy or not. Accordingly,more electrical power is used even though the dispenser may not beutilized for significant periods of time. Indeed, a particular prior artfluid dispenser, such as one that uses an infrared detection sensor,utilizes ten thousand times more current when it is on, than when it isoff. In any event, some washrooms or restrooms only see extended or busyactivity during weekends and are dormant during the rest of the week.Additionally, some dispensers may be more busy during certain periods ofthe year such as summertime in park-like settings and not busy duringthe wintertime. Moreover, skilled artisans will appreciate that the dutycycle determines the response time for when the user places their handunderneath the infrared sensor. Moreover, when the sensor is not in use,it is necessary to keep the sensor on in some type of duty cycle to keepthe sensor calibrated to the ambient environment. Although some priordevices acknowledge the need for turning on a sensor or turning off asensor, there is little appreciation as for the need to maintaincalibration of the sensor. Therefore, there is a need to extend batterylife for hands-free dispensers. Moreover, there is a need for theability to adjust a duty cycle to reduce power consumption duringnon-use of the dispenser and to increase duty cycle during periods ofextended use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present inventionto provide methods for managing power consumption for a hands-freedispenser.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method formanaging power consumption of a battery-powered device, comprisingproviding a battery-powered device that must remain in a condition todetect the presence of a user with a sensor so as to dispense a productsetting a duty cycle of said sensor to a first range, starting a timerupon detection of a user by a triggering event and setting said dutycycle to a second range, checking for the presence of another triggeringevent with said duty cycle set to said second range, repeating thechecking step if said timer has not lapsed, and returning to saidsetting step when said timer has lapsed.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method formanaging power consumption of a battery-powered dispenser, comprisingproviding a battery-powered device that must remain in a condition todetect the presence of a user with a sensor so as to dispense a product,setting a duty cycle of said sensor to a first range, checking adetected characteristic of another sensor after checking for atriggering event by said sensor, and adjusting said duty cycle to asecond range depending upon a status of said detected characteristicpresent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a complete understanding of the objects, techniques and structure ofthe invention, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a dispenser made according to theconcepts of the present invention, wherein a cover of the dispenser ispartially shown in phantom to show the dispenser's internal components;

FIGS. 2A and 2B present an operational flow chart for managing powerconsumption based on frequency of use of the dispenser according to theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is another embodiment showing an operational flow chart formanaging power consumption based upon ambient light levels or otherphysical characteristics according to the concepts of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 4 is a further embodiment for managing power consumption accordingto the concepts of the present invention based upon a motion ofdetection sensor maintained by the dispenser according to the conceptsof the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1 it can be seenthat a touch-free dispenser made in accordance with the concepts of thepresent invention is designated generally by the numeral 10. Althoughthe concepts of the present invention are directed to a touch-free orhands-free dispenser, skilled artisans will appreciate that the presentinvention may also be utilized in any device which is battery operatedor uses power from a source other than conventional mains power to powerat least one electrical component. In other words, the present inventionmay be utilized with any device which consumes power from a limitedsource. In any event, the dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 whichprovides a cover or door 13 that when open allows a technician toinstall or replace a refill container 14. The container 14, which mayalso be referred to as a cartridge, contains a fluid material such as asoap, a sanitizer or other material that is dispensed in measuredamounts. Associated with the refill container 14 is a nozzle 16 which isa conduit from the container to an object receiving the fluid such as auser's hands or any other object upon which the fluid is dispensed. Asused herein, the term “user” refers to a person or object detected bythe dispenser so as to initiate a triggering event. In other words, thedispenser detects the presence of a user or an object in close proximityto where the fluid material is dispensed and the dispenser determinesthat the user or object intends to receive the fluid. It will further beappreciated that a user may be a single person, or object who actuatesthe dispenser once or repeatedly, or multiple users or objects that aredetected, one after the other. As such, a “second” user may in fact bethe first user. In any event, the dispenser 10 includes a pump mechanism18 which is interposed between the container 14 and the nozzle 16. Themechanism 18 is coupled to an actuating mechanism 20 such as a motor orsolenoid that actuates the pump mechanism.

A proximity sensor 21 is associated with the housing 12 and may be inthe form of an infrared, sonic, or capacitive type sensor which detectsthe presence of an object or the user's hands. An ambient light sensor22 may be carried by the housing 12 for the purpose of determiningwhether lights are on and/or whether it is daytime. Presumably, ifsufficient ambient light is detected, indicating that it is daytime orthat a light is on, the dispenser will likely be used more frequently. Amotion detection sensor 23 may also be carried by the housing 12 for thepurpose of determining whether potential users are moving in closeproximity to the housing. If so, it is presumed that the dispenser willlikely be used more frequently.

A controller 24 is carried by the housing and is connected to theproximity sensor 21, the ambient light sensor 22, the motion detector23, the actuating mechanism 20 and the pump mechanism 18. A timer 25 isconnected to the controller 24 and may be used to facilitate the powermanagement goals of the dispenser. The timer 25 may be able to track oneor more events simultaneously and generate a signal indicating that adesignated time period has expired. Skilled artisans will appreciatethat all the functions needed to implement the timer may be incorporatedor provided directly by the controller 24. As will be described, theambient light sensor 22, the motion detection sensor 23, the timer 25and any other device that detects some change in a physicalcharacteristic or lapsing of time can be used to change an operationalduty cycle of the proximity sensor and/or other component of thedispenser so as to reduce and manage power consumption of the dispenser.

A power source 26, which will be discussed in further detail, provideselectrical power to the sensors 21, 22 and 23 via the controller 24; thecontroller 24; the pump mechanism 18; and the actuating mechanism 20.The power source 26 includes one or more batteries, which may bereferred to as cells throughout the specification. The batteries usedfor the power source may be recharged by solar cells or by other means.

In general, the controller 24 and the appropriate sensor are used tocontrol and manage the electrically powered components associated withthe dispenser 10. These components include, but are not limited to thepump mechanism, the actuating mechanism, the sensor 21, the ambientlight sensor 22, the motion detector 23 and the controller 24. It willbe appreciated that the features of the dispenser 10 are applicable toother devices that are not dispensers or that are not hands-freedispensers or devices. Indeed, the present invention may be utilizedwith any device that relies on batteries or cells for power for extendedperiods of time. Generally, the controller 24 monitors operation of thesensors 21, 22 and 23, either singly or together, so as to manage andconserve the amount of power required to operate the dispenser. And thecontroller 24 may be configured to adjust operation during use to ensurea faster than normal response to input from users that indicate higherthan normal usage. The controller 24 and the sensor 21, with or withoutthe other sensors 22 and 23, work together to adjust the duty cycle ofthe sensor 21. Accordingly, at least two duty cycles may be used in thefollowing embodiments. The duty cycles may have different ranges butthey typically do not overlap one another. For example, a normal dutycycle may result in the sensor 21 generating an infrared beam, or otherphysical characteristic, three to five times every second. Other dutycycles may generate physical characteristics more or less often asneeded.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B it can be seen that an operational flowchart for managing power consumption of a hands-free dispenser isdesignated generally by the numeral 50. Initially, the sensor 21 isenergized so as to operate at a conserve duty cycle. In the presentembodiment, the conserve duty cycle ranges from once every two secondsto once every half second or two times per second. Skilled artisans willappreciate that the conserve duty cycle may be adjusted such that thesensor checks for a detectable physical characteristic to an appropriatetime period. Next at step 54, the controller determines whether a useris detected by the sensor 21. If not, then the process returns to step52.

However, if at step 54 a user is detected, then at step 56 a normal usetimer is initiated at step 56. Although any time value can be used forthe normal use timer, in the present embodiment it is believed that onehour would be an appropriate time period. Next at step 58, thecontroller 24 energizes the actuating mechanism and the pump mechanismso as to dispense a predetermined quantity of fluid. Upon completion ofstep 58, the sensor 21 is energized so as to operate at a normal dutycycle which in the present embodiment is four times each second butskilled artisans will appreciate that it can be in any range such asthree to five times per second. Accordingly, for at least the next hour(the running of the normal use timer), the sensor utilizes a duty cycleof anywhere from three to five times per second. Upon completion of theenergization step, the controller operates at the normal duty cycle anddetermines whether a user is detected or not at step 62. If a user isnot detected at step 62, then the process 50 goes to step 64 todetermine whether the normal use timer has lapsed or not. If the normaluse timer has not lapsed, then the process returns to step 60. However,if the normal use timer (set at step 56) has now lapsed, then theprocess returns to step 52 and the sensor is returned to the conserveduty cycle, that is, the duty cycle ranges from once every two secondsto once every half second.

If at step 62 a user is detected, than at step 66 a heavy use timer isstarted. In the present embodiment, the heavy use timer may be set forany time period, such as five minutes, wherein the heavy use timer usesa time period less than the normal use timer and typically much lessthan the normal use time period. In any event, after starting the timerat step 66, the controller instructs the actuating mechanism 20 and thepump mechanism 18 to dispense a predetermined quantity of fluid.Subsequently, at step 70, the sensor 21 is energized so as to initiate aheavy use duty cycle. In the present embodiment, the heavy use dutycycle results in the sensor 21 being activated six to eight times everysecond. In other words, the sensor 21 is activated at least once every125 to every 167 milliseconds. Upon completion of step 70, thecontroller again inquires whether another user, which may be the sameuser or a different user, is detected or not at step 72. If a user isnot detected, then the process continues to step 74 to determine whetherthe heavy use timer has lapsed or not. If the heavy use timer has notlapsed, then the process returns to step 70. However, if the heavy usetimer has lapsed at step 74, then the process goes to step 76 and thenormal use timer is reset. In most instances, the normal use timer maybe set to the same time period value as set in step 56. Or some othertime period, typically shorter, could be used. In the alternative, thenormal use timer could be allowed to run concurrently with the runningof the heavy use timer and step 76 could be bypassed as indicated by thedashed line. Upon completion of this step, then the process goes to step60 so as to energize the sensor to actuate at the normal duty cycle.

If at step 72 a user is detected then the process restarts the heavy usetimer at step 78 and dispenses a predetermined quantity of fluid at step80. Upon completion of step 80, the process returns to step 74 todetermine the status of the heavy use timer and the process continues asdescribed previously.

Skilled artisans will appreciate then that the process 50 generally hasthree operational loops within the flow chart. The first operationalloop operates on the conserve duty cycle and stays in that loop until auser is detected. Upon detection, the dispenser operates in a normalduty cycle (the second loop) where the dispenser operates in a normalfashion until such time that an extended period of non-use has occurred.When this period of non-use has elapsed, then the process returns to theconserve duty cycle so as to save power. In order to address the needsof a heavy use scenario, the normal duty cycle may be elevated to heavyuse so as to quickly dispense fluid material when a number of users aredetected within a predetermined period of time. This third loop, whichcomprises steps 62 through 80, continues until the heavy use timerlapses so as to return to a normal use mode.

These three different duty cycle ranges are advantageous for savingpower during extended periods of non-use and quick response times duringperiods of heavy use. This ability to adjust duty cycles reduces batteryconsumption when the battery is not being used but also allows fordispensing of more fluid material during heavy periods of use.

Instead of relying solely on use activity, the dispenser 10 may alsoutilize other sensors to assist in conserving or managing battery power.In particular, referring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that an alternatemethod for operating the dispenser is designated generally by thenumeral 100. At step 102, an ambient light or sound, or other detectablephysical characteristic is detected. Specifically, the controllerdetermines whether the characteristic detected exceeds a high thresholdlevel or a low threshold level. In other words, if a certain amount oflight exceeds a predetermined threshold, then a high value is detectedor the certain value of light is below the threshold then a low value isdetermined. The same criteria can be used for sound. Accordingly, if ahigh value is determined it is presumed that a light is on in the areaor sun light sufficiently illuminates the area associated with thedispenser, or that a number of individuals associated with a certainlevel of sound are in relevantly close proximity to the dispenser and itis likely it will be used in the immediate future. As such, at step 102if a high value is detected, then the controller energizes the sensorutilizing a normal duty cycle at step 104. The normal duty cycle, as setout above, results in the sensor being energized in a certain range,such as three to five times each second. At step 106, the controllerawaits to determine whether a user is detected or not. If a user is notdetected, then the process returns to step 102 and the sensor continuesto operate on the normal duty cycle. If however, at step 106 a user isdetected then the device operates so as to dispense a predeterminedquantity of fluid at step 108 and then the process returns to step 102.

If at step 102 a low value is detected by the ambient light or soundsensor, then the process continues to step 110 so as to energize thesensor with a conserve duty cycle. As in the previous embodiment, theconserve duty cycle will likely be once every half second to one everytwo seconds. The process then continues to step 106 to determine whethera user is detected or not as described above. As such, it will beappreciated that even if there is a quiet environment or the ambientlight level is low, the user or the apparatus can still be operated.

The physical characteristic set out in step 102 may include thecharacteristic of time. As such, step 102 may provide for a timingfunction to determine whether the dispenser is being used frequently ornot. In this embodiment, the process includes a step 107 of starting atimer after a user is detected at step 106. The time period may be asshort as a few seconds or as long as a few hours. In any event, when useof the timer is implemented, as the detected characteristic, the queryat step 102 becomes a determination as to whether the timer has lapsedor is still running. If the timer has lapsed, then the conserve dutycycle is implemented at step 110. If the timer is still running, thenthe normal duty cycle is utilized at step 104.

FIG. 3 provides for two main operational loops depending upon whethersome threshold value of a physical characteristic is met or not. If thethreshold value is met—light, sound or running timer—then theoperational loop uses a normal duty cycle. If not, then the operationalloop utilizes the conserve duty cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 4, yet another embodiment provides a method formanaging power as designated generally by the numeral 120. In thisembodiment, a motion detector sensor 24 is utilized at step 122.Specifically, if motion is not detected then the process continues tostep 124 and the conserve duty cycle is initiated. Next, at step 126,the controller determines whether a user has been detected or not. Ifnot, then the process returns to step 122 and the conserve duty cycle ismaintained. However, if at step 126 the controller and sensor 21 detectsthe presence of a user then a dispensing event is initiated at step 128or upon completion of the process returns to step 122. If at step 122motion is detected, then the sensor is energized utilizing a normal dutycycle at step 130. Upon completion of step 130, the process goes to step126 to determine whether a user is detected or not.

FIG. 4 provides for two main operational loops depending upon whether auser is detected by motion or if motion is generally detected in thearea proximal the dispenser. Accordingly, if numerous people areentering and exiting a certain area where a dispenser is located thenthe dispenser will utilize a normal duty cycle so as to be readilyavailable for periods of use. However, if motion is not detected readilyby the motion detector, then the dispenser will operate with a conserveduty cycle and, as such, conserve battery power. For the embodiments setout in FIGS. 3 and 4, they may use the same duty cycles as set out forthe embodiment presented in FIG. 2. Since only two different duty cyclesare used, it will be appreciated that in general the conserve duty cycleoperates the sensor(s) less frequently than in the normal duty cycle.However, the duty cycles may be set to operate at different rates thanfor the embodiment described in relation to FIG. 2.

Based upon the foregoing, the advantages of the present invention arereadily apparent. It will be appreciated that the sensors associatedwith the dispenser operate with a reduced duty cycle but that thedispenser does not turn completely off. Additionally, the duty cycleimmediately increases after a dispensing event to rapidly supplement orsupply subsequent doses of fluid. Moreover, the present invention orpresent dispenser is advantageous in that it maintains the preferredduty cycle until the consumption rate decreases and/or the sensor deviceindicates the duty cycle should be reduced. In one embodiment, the dutycycle requires no other sensors to indicate that a reduced duty cyclemay be desirable other than its own timer indicating that theconsumption rate has dropped off. These methodologies are advantageousin that reduced power consumption through power management can beobtained without additional cost in the embodiment where other sensorsare not required. This device also provides for improved response timewhen normal use or heavy use is indicated resulting in dispensing moresoap and more satisfied customers. This determination can be made byactual usage. Accordingly, if a facility leaves their lights on for 24hours a day and no one uses the dispenser overnight, the dispenser stillsaves power. However, the other embodiments may be provided withadditional sensors so as to provide for quicker response times incontrast to the one embodiment which may initially have a slow responsetime.

Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have beensatisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. Whilein accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferredembodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of theinvention, reference should be made to the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for managing power consumption ofa battery-powered device, comprising: providing a battery-powered devicethat must remain in a condition to detect the presence of a user with asensor so as to dispense a product, wherein detection of the user is atriggering event; and wherein the battery-powered device does notdispense a product unless a user is detected; setting a duty cycle ofsaid sensor to a first range; starting a timer, setting said duty cycleof the sensor to a second range, and dispensing the product upondetection of said triggering event caused by the detection of a user;checking for the presence of another triggering event caused by thedetection of a user within said duty cycle of the sensor set to saidsecond range; repeating the checking step if said timer has not lapsed;and returning to said setting said duty cycle of said sensor to saidfirst range when said timer has lapsed.
 2. The method according to claim1, further comprising: starting another timer upon detection of anothertriggering event and setting said duty cycle to a third range; andchecking for the presence of another triggering event with said dutycycle set to said third range.
 3. The method according to claim 2,further comprising: repeating the step of checking for anothertriggering event if said another timer has not lapsed.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 3, further comprising: re-starting said another timerupon detection of said another triggering event; and repeating the stepof checking for another triggering event if said another timer haslapsed.
 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising:re-starting said timer upon lapsing of said another timer; andre-setting said duty cycle to said second range.
 6. The method accordingto claim 5, further comprising: setting said first range to about onceevery two seconds; setting said second range to about two to four timesper second; and setting said third range to about six to eight times persecond.
 7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: settingsaid timer anywhere between thirty minutes to two hours; and settingsaid another timer anywhere between five minutes to thirty minutes. 8.The method according to claim 5, further comprising: dispensing aproduct upon detection of any triggering event.
 9. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising: configuring said battery-powered deviceas a hands-free dispenser that dispenses a fluid.
 10. A method formanaging power consumption of a battery-powered device comprising:providing a battery-powered device that must remain in a condition todetect the presence of a user with a sensor so as to dispense a product,wherein detection of the user is a triggering event; and wherein thebattery-powered device does not dispense the product unless a user isdetected; setting a duty cycle of said sensor to a first range;returning to the providing step if the presence of the user is notdetected; starting a timer, dispensing the product, and setting saidduty cycle of the sensor to a second range upon detection of saidtriggering event caused by the detection of a user wherein said secondrange of said duty cycle of the sensor increases from said first rangeof said duty cycle of the sensor; checking for the presence of anothertriggering event caused by the detection of a user with said duty cycleof the sensor set to said second range and setting said sensor to anelevated duty cycle upon detection of said another triggering event tomore quickly dispense product, but if said another triggering eventcaused by the detection of a user is not detected the method furthercomprises: repeating the checking step if said timer has not lapsed; andreturning the setting of said duty cycle of said sensor to said firstrange when said timer has lapsed.
 11. The method according to claim 10,further comprising: starting another timer upon detection of saidanother triggering event and setting said elevated duty cycle to a thirdrange wherein said third range of said duty cycle increases from saidsecond range of duty cycle; and checking for the presence of yet anothertriggering event with said duty cycle set to said third range.
 12. Themethod according to claim 11, further comprising: repeating the step ofchecking for another triggering event if said another timer has notlapsed.
 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:re-starting said another timer upon detection of said another triggeringevent; and repeating the step of checking for another triggering eventif said another timer has lapsed.
 14. The method according to claim 10,further comprising: configuring said battery-powered device as ahands-free dispenser that dispenses a fluid.
 15. The method according toclaim 10, further comprising: providing a sonic or capacitive typesensor for said sensor.
 16. A method for managing power consumption of abattery-powered device comprising: providing a battery-powered devicethat must remain in a condition to detect the presence of a user with asensor so as to dispense a product, wherein detection of the user is atriggering event; and wherein the battery-powered device does notdispense the product unless a user is detected; setting a duty cycle ofsaid sensor to a first range; returning to the providing step if thepresence of the user is not detected; starting a timer, dispensing theproduct, and setting said duty cycle to a second range upon detection ofsaid triggering event caused by the detection of a user wherein saidsecond range of said duty cycle increases from said first range of saidduty cycle; checking for the presence of another triggering event causedby the detection of a user with said duty cycle set to said second rangeand setting said sensor to an elevated duty cycle upon detection of saidanother triggering event to more quickly dispense product, but if saidanother triggering event caused by the detection of a user is notdetected the method further comprises: repeating the checking step ifsaid timer has not lapsed; and returning to said setting of said dutycycle of said sensor to said first range when said timer has lapsed;starting another timer upon detection of said another triggering event;setting said elevated duty cycle to a third range wherein said thirdrange of said duty cycle increases from said second range of duty cycle;checking for the presence of yet another triggering event with said dutycycle set to said third range; repeating the step of checking foranother triggering event if said another timer has not lapsed;re-starting said another timer upon detection of said another triggeringevent; repeating the step of checking for another triggering event ifsaid another; timer has lapsed re-starting said timer upon lapsing ofsaid another timer; and re-starting said duty cycle to said secondrange.
 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: settingsaid first range to about once every two seconds; setting said secondrange to about two to four times per second; and setting said thirdrange to about six to eight times per second.
 18. The method accordingto claim 16, further comprising: setting said timer to anywhere betweenthirty minutes to two hours; and setting said another timer anywherebetween five minutes to thirty minutes.
 19. The method according toclaim 16, further comprising: dispensing a product upon detection of anytriggering event.